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Driving in New Zealand

Skoot

Go. See. Do.

Apollo is now offering Skoot tablets. With Skoot you always have your own personal travel guide in New Zealand. Let Skoot take you off the beaten path to find special little places, exclusive deals and exciting experiences.

Features include*:

Navigation: Get from A to B with our intuitive road map that allows you to find the best route to your destination

Road Safety: Skoot is inbuilt with a road safety feature that keeps you up to date with notifications and traffic warnings

Wifi Hotspot: Ready to use wifi so you can stay connected nationwide

Audio Tour Guide: Preloaded with an audio tour guide that gives interesting facts and information as you travel between destinations

Deals: Need a coffee break? Explore and save with the best bargains and offers exclusive to Skoot

Activities / Attractions: Skoot around the best tourist attractions and activities with an inbuilt activity tracker

*Features are dependent upon the selected usage plan. Please see in branch for plan options and pricing.

New Zealand's tourist routes are generally of a high standard and the main roads are sealed. All roads, including those in rural locations, are signposted. Remember to drive on the left! The speed limit is 100km/h on the open road and 50km/h in urban areas.

You will find multi-lane motorways and expressways on the approaches to the larger cities, with most roads being two-way. Signposting follows standard international symbols and all distances are in kilometres (km).

North Island Driving Matrix (kilometres / miles)

Auckland

127 km79 mi

Hamilton

325 km202 mi

452 km281 mi

Napier

357 km222 mi

231 km144 mi

412 km256 mi

New
Plymouth

241 km150 mi

368 km229 mi

661 km411 mi

597 km371 mi

Paihia

537 km334 mi

411 km255 mi

178 km111 mi

234 km145 mi

777 km483 mi

Rotorua

280 km174 mi

153 km95 mi

143 km89 mi

296 km184 mi

518 km322 mi

80 km50 mi

Taupo

206 km128 mi

107 km66 mi

299 km186 mi

308 km191 mi

445 km277 mi

86 km53 mi

156 km97 mi

Waitomo
Caves

457 km284 mi

331 km206 mi

252 km156 mi

160 km99 mi

697 km433 mi

309 km192 mi

229 km142 mi

273 km170 mi

Wanganui

658 km409 mi

532 km331 mi

323 km201 mi

355 km221 mi

898 km558 mi

460 km286 mi

380 km236 mi

473 km294 mi

195 km121 mi

Wellington

SOUTH Island Driving Matrix (kilometres / miles)

Christchurch

361 km224 mi

Dunedin

408 km254 mi

570 km354 mi

Franz Josef

554 km344 mi

424 km263 mi

146 km91 mi

Haast

771 km479 mi

410 km254 mi

660 km410 mi

514 km319 mi

Milford
Sound

417 km259 mi

799 km496 mi

485 km301 mi

631 km392 mi

1145 km711 mi

Nelson

350 km217 mi

711 km442 mi

549 km341 mi

695 km431 mi

1121 km697 mi

113 km70 mi

Picton

487 km303 mi

281 km175 mi

365 km227 mi

219 km136 mi

307 km191 mi

850 km528 mi

837 km520 mi

Queenstown

428 km266 mi

276 km172 mi

294 km183 mi

148 km92 mi

366 km227 mi

779 km484 mi

778 km483 mi

71 km44 mi

Wanaka

336 km209 mi

670 km416 mi

294 km183 mi

440 km273 mi

954 km593 mi

230 km143 mi

294 km183 mi

659 km409 mi

588 km365 mi

Westport

Safe Driving In New Zealand

A self drive holiday is the most relaxing way to enjoy New Zealand's landscape. Enjoy our low traffic levels and scenic roads in absolute comfort.

Although New Zealand is a relatively small country, it can take many hours to drive between cities and other destinations of interest. Even when distances are short, hilly or winding terrain or narrow secondary roads can slow your journey.

If you're used to driving in the city, you should take care when driving on the open country roads. New Zealand has a good motorway system but weather extremes, the terrain and narrow secondary roads and bridges require drivers to be very vigilant.

Never drive if you are feeling tired, particularly after you have just completed a long-haul flight.
The following general information is provided for your road safety:

All road distances are measured in kilometres.

Please note: The give way rules have changed as of 25th March 2012. For more information on the changes, please see this PDF

When the traffic light is red, you must stop. There is no left turn rule as in North America.

The amber traffic light means stop unless you are so close to the intersection you can't stop safely.

The speed limit on the open road is usually 100km/h (approx 60m/h). In urban areas the speed limit is 50km/h. Speed limits are strictly enforced by the police.

Drivers and passengers must wear seat belts or child restraints at all times, in both front and rear seats.

During long journeys take regular rest and refreshment breaks.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a crime in New Zealand and strictly enforced by police, with severe penalties for offenders.

Travel Restrictions

To ensure your safety, Hippie has some travel restrictions for certain vehicles. Two Wheel Drive vehicles can only be driven on sealed/bitumen roads or well maintained access roads less than 500 metres long to recognised campgrounds. Restricted locations included parts of: Ninety Mile Beach, Mt Cook Region, Queenstown Region, Coromandel Peninsula and Waipapa Point to Corio Bay

Road Maps & Extra Information

All Hippie customers are supplied with a complimentary magazine when picking up their vehicle. This magazine includes discount vouchers, campground guides, safety tips, local/regional information and other helpful information. Our vehicles also include a New Zealand road atlas to help you travel through New Zealand with ease. If you would like any more information our friendly staff will be more than happy to help you and offer you personal advice on where to go, what to see and the best routes to travel.

Breakdown & Accident Assistance

All Hippie vehicles are serviced and maintained to the highest industry standard. In the event you run into mechanical difficulties on your holiday, Hippie offers 24hour roadside assistance for your peace of mind. If you require assistance, please call Hippie on 0800 234 567 and we will help to get you back on the road as soon as possible.

New Zealand toll roads

If you are touring New Zealand's beautiful North Island, you may pass through the Northern Gateway Toll Road. In 2009, New Zealand's first new toll road opened to the public - offering motorists a faster, safer and more direct route between Orewa and Puhoi, north of Auckland. When driving a rental vehicle in New Zealand, you are responsible for paying toll fees, so it is important to be aware of payment options before you travel. Visit the Northern Gateway Toll Road website for more information.

If you like fine wine, you'll love this driving route. Travel from Hawke's Bay through Tararua, the Wairarapa and Wellington to Marlborough. This route is also known as the 'Classic New Zealand Wine Trail'.Includes: Napier, Hastings, Masterton, Martinborough, Wellington, Picton and Blenheim.

Target the regions that hosted the Lions Tour test matches. You'll still have the chance to see a lot of New Zealand.Includes: Napier, Hastings, Masterton, Martinborough, Wellington, Picton and Blenheim.